Chapter 1 On the second day after my adopted sister Helena tried to take her own life and landed in the pack hospital , my family dragged me to the judgment seat . I stood shackled at the center of the werewolf tribunal , the silver cuffs biting into my wrists and ankles . Despite the warmth of the hall , a chill seeped into my bones , making my whole body tremble . I struggled against the restraints , panic clawing at me , but it was useless . My Alpha parents and my Alpha brother , Declan , stood at the plaintiff's bench . Their faces were carved from ice , staring at me without the slightest shred of pity , as if I were nothing more than filth , already dead to them . This was a public trial , broadcast across the entire werewolf realm , presided over by the Alpha King , the realm's paragon of justice and fairness . The whole world would watch , every pack member serving as witness and jury , waiting for what they believed would be my execution . Minutes before the trial began , my father strode toward me , a crumpled letter clutched in his fist . His voice was low and sharp as he spoke . " Hazel , I'm asking you one last time - did you bully Helena ? " His eyes bored into me , barely containing the storm of rage behind his calm façade . " Admit that you tormented her . Go before the Alpha King and confess to the entire werewolf realm that you are a disgrace to this pack , and I might , just might , spare your life . Otherwise , you'll face total annihilation . " I knew this was the final chance he'd give me . But I hadn't bullied Helena . She was the family's darling , their pride and joy . I'd bent over backward to avoid her , to please her . How could I ever have dared to hurt her ? Desperation strangled my voice as I whispered , " Dad , I didn't do it . " His face twisted with fury . With a snarl , he flung the letter at my face . " Still lying ? Helena's suicide note says it all - you've been tormenting her in secret all along . She couldn't take it anymore , and that's why she tried to end her life . I should never have brought you into this pack , I should've left you to rot in that omega shelter . " His words cut through me , sharper than any blade . Yeah , maybe I should've stayed in that shelter and rotted there . It would've been better than this . My mother , the Luna , gentle , admired , and revered by the pack , finally snapped . She stormed forward and slapped me across the face , a brutal , uncharacteristic act from someone so loved . It was clear now : she despised me and adored Helena with every fiber of her being . " Hazel , you're utterly despicable , " she spat . " Have you forgotten how much your sister loved you ? The day we brought you into the pack , she even baked you a cake with her own hands , burning herself in the process . She was so kind , and you ... you tried again and again to destroy her . You deserve every punishment coming to you . " A cake ? Oh , Mom , if only you knew . That cake wasn't a gift - it was the beginning of my nightmare . The weight of my grievances and heartache became unbearable . A single tear slid down my cheek , but instead of softening them , it only fueled their disgust . Chapter 1 10.00 % Declan , my brother , stepped forward next . Without hesitation , he seized my throat and hurled me to the ground . " You lying , worthless wretch , " he growled . " Keep pretending to be innocent . Since you won't confess , let the tribunal deal with you . Get ready to be erased by the Moon Mirror . "